Saturday, 28 March 2026 - 14:45
Roughly one in three calls to the Dutch emergency number 112 is either placed unintentionally or involves no urgent need, according to police figures, with a significant share originating from vehicles after drivers or passengers accidentally activate in-car emergency systems.
The issue is closely linked to the eCall emergency alert system in modern cars, which can automatically contact emergency services after a crash but can also be triggered manually via a button inside the vehicle.
Police say about three-quarters of all eCall activations are accidental. In total, 37,500 emergency calls came through the system last year, with 75 percent deemed unnecessary. Authorities also note that a portion of these calls may result from technical malfunctions.
The alarm button—often marked with an emergency bell symbol—is typically located on the car’s ceiling near the interior lighting. Police believe many users are unaware of its function or how easily it can be activated.
“It helps emergency services on site act more quickly and in a more targeted way, and therefore save lives,” said Arjan van Geel, a 112 emergency services specialist, referring to the eCall system’s benefits. He explained that occupants can provide direct information about which emergency services are needed, such as police, fire, or ambulance. If no response is received from the vehicle, dispatchers will also send emergency responders with urgency.
For several years now, all new cars in the European Union have been required to include the automatic emergency call system. The technology transmits crash location, time, and driving direction to dispatch centers and also establishes a live voice connection between occupants and 112 operators.
“It is important that drivers and passengers know that an automatic or manual eCall immediately creates a live connection with 112,” Van Geel said. “Because in an emergency, every second counts,” he added, stressing the importance of awareness so the system is only used in genuine emergencies.